2018 Dodge Charger

2018 Dodge Charger Overview

Is the 2018 Dodge Charger a Good Used Car?

Yes, the 2018 Dodge Charger is a good large car. There are more well-rounded options in the class, however.

The 2018 Charger has numerous high points:

• Most powerful available engines in the class
• Outstanding ride comfort
• Available performance-enhancing features
• Easy-to-use infotainment system with the latest technology
• Front seats remain comfortable for hours
• Roomy cabin

But it falls behind the competition in several ways:

• Abysmal predicted reliability rating
• Below-average safety scores
• Above-average projected five-year ownership costs
• All-wheel drive only offered in one trim
• Cabin isn't as stylish as rivals’
• Thick roof pillars create reduced visibility for drivers

Why You Can Trust Us

Our Dodge Charger review includes far more than just one person's opinion. We collected professional evaluations from 53 sources and combined them with concrete data like fuel economy estimates, safety features, and performance specs to help you make an informed buying decision.

The U.S. News Best Cars team has been ranking cars, trucks, and SUVs since 2007, and our staff has more than a combined 75 years of automotive industry experience. To ensure our impartiality, we never accept expensive gifts or trips from car companies, and an outside team handles the advertising on our site.

How Much Is the 2018 Dodge Charger?

Based on listings for the 2018 Dodge Charger on our site, the average price is $24,600, which is close to average for the class. Prices range from $19,300 to $38,900 and vary depending on the vehicle’s condition, mileage, features, and location.

See the Best Used Car Deals »

How Much Does the 2018 Dodge Charger Cost to Own?

The 2018 Charger’s five-year costs for gas, insurance, repairs, and maintenance are projected to be $30,800, or $6,160 per year. That’s above average for a large car.

Is It Better to Buy a Used or New Charger?

There were no major changes made to the 2019 Dodge Charger, which has a starting MSRP of $29,220. You’re better off saving some money by finding a used model that comes with the features you want.

Read about the new Dodge Charger »

The 2018 Charger is part of a generation that launched for the 2011 model year and includes the 2019 edition. Shoppers who want the latest technology should consider a 2017 or newer Charger. For 2017, Dodge upgraded the available infotainment system and added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. Two new Dodge Charger Daytona models also debuted for 2017. For the 2018 model year, the standard touch screen was upgraded from 5 to 7 inches, and the all-wheel-drive Charger GT trim was introduced.

Compare the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Charger »

See the Best New Car Deals »

See the Best New Car Lease Deals »

How Reliable Is the 2018 Dodge Charger?

The 2018 Dodge Charger has the lowest-possible predicted reliability rating of two out of five from J.D. Power.

Read more about Charger reliability »

2018 Dodge Charger Recalls

At the time of writing, there are four recalls for the 2018 Dodge Charger:

• Voltage regulator may fail and cause a stall
• Cruise control may fail to deactivate
• Front drive shaft may separate from vehicle
• Incorrect transmission park rods may be installed

Before buying any used vehicle, make sure all recalls have been addressed.

See more information on Dodge Charger safety recalls »

Which Used Dodge Charger Trim Is Right for Me?

The 2018 Dodge Charger comes in 11 trims: SXT, SXT Plus, SXT Plus-Leather, GT, GT Plus, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, Daytona, Daytona 392, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat.

While this may seem like an overwhelming number of trims and potential options to choose from, deciding between models is easy once you determine the type of performance you’re after. Features and options don’t vary much between trims, but performance differs significantly.

The base Charger SXT has more than enough engine power for everyday driving. This trim also comes with a satisfying number of technology and safety features. The SXT Plus trim adds some comfort-enhancing features, as well as a larger touch screen.

Driving enthusiasts should consider R/T-designated trims and higher, as this is where the V8 engines and performance-enhancement features are introduced. From there, upper trims offer some of the most powerful engines in the class, as well as sportier suspensions and some additional safety and comfort features.

• Dodge Charger SXT: The base Charger SXT trim comes with a 292-horsepower V6 engine, three USB ports, an SD card reader, a six-speaker audio system, the Uconnect infotainment system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 7-inch touch screen, a rearview camera, and rear parking sensors. The Charger SXT Plus adds dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable and heated sport front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an upgraded Uconnect system with an 8.4-inch touch screen.
• Dodge Charger GT: The Charger GT comes with a slightly stronger version of the base V6 engine and makes 300 horsepower. Its standard features list is nearly identical to that of the Charger SXT. All-wheel drive comes standard with the Charger GT and isn’t available in any other trim.
• Dodge Charger R/T: The base R/T trim features a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine that makes 370 horsepower, while the Charger R/T Scat Pack comes with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that produces 485 horsepower. R/T-designated trims come standard with a sport suspension and adaptive cruise control.
• Dodge Charger Daytona: Like the R/T, the Charger Daytona comes with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine, while higher Daytona trims come with the 6.4-liter Hemi. The Daytona also comes with a performance suspension, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats.
• Dodge Charger SRT: The Dodge Charger SRT includes the 6.4-liter V8 engine. SRT trims also come with blind spot monitoring and the upgraded Uconnect infotainment system with navigation.
• Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat: The Charger SRT Hellcat is the powerhouse of the lineup. It’s the only trim to feature the supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 engine, which puts out an astounding 707 horsepower.

See 2018 Dodge Charger trims and specs »

What Does Dodge's Certified Pre-Owned Warranty Cover?

Dodge offers a certified pre-owned program for vehicles five years old or less and with fewer than 75,000 miles. Eligibility is determined by the vehicle’s initial sale date. For its certified pre-owned vehicles, Dodge extends the original new-car powertrain warranty to seven years from the original sale date or 100,000 miles. CPO vehicles also get a three-month/3,000-mile Maximum Coverage Care warranty. Additional benefits are available, including a 90-day SiriusXM satellite radio trial subscription, a CarFax vehicle history report, 24-hour towing and roadside assistance, and a car rental allowance. There are mileage and model restrictions, so read the Dodge warranty page carefully.

Dodge has one of the worst CPO warranties among affordable carmakers, according to our analysis. Kia, Hyundai, Chevy, Ford, Honda, and Mazda are all better.

See the best CPO programs »

How Safe Is the Charger?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2018 Charger the highest rating of Good in four out of five crash tests. It received the second-lowest rating of Marginal in the driver’s-side overlap front crash test. Properly equipped Chargers earned the highest rating of Superior for front crash prevention. The IIHS also gave each of the seven Charger trims it tested the lowest rating of Poor for how well the headlights illuminate the road ahead.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2018 Charger an overall safety rating of five out of five stars. The Charger earned five stars in side crash and rollover tests and four stars in frontal crash testing.

Standard advanced safety features:

• rearview camera
• rear parking sensors

Available advanced safety features:

• adaptive cruise control
• blind spot monitoring
• forward collision warning
• lane departure warning
• lane keep assist
• rear cross traffic alert

See Charger safety scores »

2018 Dodge Charger Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: 2018 Dodge Charger or 2018 Chevrolet Impala?

The 2018 Chevrolet Impala outclasses the Charger in nearly every way. The Impala has higher safety and predicted reliability ratings, and its list prices and projected five-year ownership costs are lower. The Chevy also has a nicer interior and a larger trunk than the Dodge. Unless you plan to purchase one of the Charger’s high-performance upper trims, which have a lot more horsepower than the Impala, the Chevy is the better option.

Which Is Better: 2018 Dodge Charger or 2018 Chrysler 300?

The 2018 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger are corporate siblings that have the same base V6 engine. However, the Charger’s performance is better than the 300 in just about every way. The Charger has a comfortable ride and agile handling, while the 300 has a harsh ride and clumsy handling. The 300 also only has one available V8 engine, and it’s weaker than the Charger’s three V8 options. If you put a high priority on performance, you’ll want to go with the Charger. However, the 300's higher predicted reliability rating and more upscale interior make it the better pick for most shoppers.

Compare the Charger, Impala, and 300 »

2018 Charger Performance

How Does the 2018 Dodge Charger Drive?

The Dodge Charger’s base V6 engine has ample power that should satisfy most shoppers, but it’s downright meek compared to the rest of the engine lineup. The three available V8s have some of the highest horsepower ratings in the class. The Charger Hellcat’s supercharged V8 is insanely powerful and delivers incredible acceleration. All engines are matched to a quick-shifting and silky smooth eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Charger has a comfortable ride, even over harsh road surfaces. It also handles well for its size, with little body roll when cornering. Performance enhancements include sport suspensions and Brembo brakes.

• Base engine: 3.6-liter V6 with 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque
• Available engines:
  • 5.7-liter V8 Hemi with 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque
  • 6.4-liter V8 Hemi with 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque
  • Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 Hemi with 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque
• Drivetrain: standard rear-wheel drive; available all-wheel drive
• Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Does the 2018 Dodge Charger Get Good Gas Mileage?

The base Dodge Charger gets typical fuel economy estimates for a V6-powered large car. Fuel estimates greatly decrease with the V8 engines.

• 3.6-liter V6: 19/30 mpg city/highway
• 5.7-liter V8 Hemi: 16/25 mpg
• 6.4-liter V8 Hemi: 15/25 mpg
• 6.2-liter supercharged V8 Hemi: 13/22 mpg

Read more about Charger performance »

2018 Charger Interior

How Many People Does the 2018 Charger Seat?

The 2018 Charger seats five people in two rows. Front-seat passengers will enjoy long-haul comfort from the Charger’s plush seats, and the rear seats have adequate space to comfortably fit a few adults. Unfortunately, driver visibility is limited because of the thick roof pillars. The Charger’s cabin is fairly good-looking, but many rivals’ interiors are made with higher-quality materials.

Standard seating features:

• cloth upholstery
• six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat

Available seating features:

• leather upholstery
• Nappa leather upholstery
• 12-way power-adjustable front seats
• heated and ventilated front seats
• heated rear seats
• heated steering wheel
• performance seats with added side support

How Many Child Car Seats Fit in the 2018 Dodge Charger?

The 2018 Charger has three complete sets of LATCH car-seat connectors in the back row. For ease of use, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the outboard LATCH connectors the second-lowest rating of Marginal while the middle seat’s connectors received the lowest rating of Poor.

2018 Dodge Charger Features

The Uconnect infotainment system is one of the easiest to use in the class. The 2018 Charger comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which make it easier to access smartphone functions via the touch screen. The available 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system delivers excellent sound quality.

• Standard infotainment features: the Uconnect infotainment system with three USB ports, an SD card reader, a six-speaker audio system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 7-inch touch screen
• Available infotainment features: a 10-speaker Beats Audio sound system, a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, satellite radio, HD Radio, two additional USB ports, and an upgraded Uconnect system with navigation and an 8.4-inch touch screen
• Other available features: a sunroof, push-button start, and dual-zone automatic climate control

See 2018 Dodge Charger specs »

Read more about Charger interior »

2018 Dodge Charger Dimensions

Dodge Charger Cargo Space

The Charger has a typical amount of trunk space for a large car: 16.5 cubic feet. Split-folding rear seats are standard, and there is a lot of small-item storage space throughout the cabin. That said, the trunk lid opens high, so closing it may be a challenge for some folks.

These cargo dimensions are for comparative purposes. There is no substitute for visually examining the storage area in any car you’re considering.

2018 Dodge Charger Length and Weight

• Length: 16 feet, 5 inches to 16 feet, 7 inches
• Curb weight: 4,020 to 4,536 pounds

Where Was the 2018 Dodge Charger Built?

Dodge built the Charger in Canada.